Unite slams decision to delay yet longer justice for asbestos
sufferers
23rd July 2009
Following the announcement from the government at the end of the
parliamentary year that it will not overturn the House of Lords'
ruling which removed compensation for sufferers of asbestos-related
diseases and have opted to half heartedly look at some of the other
issues surrounding asbestos related disease, Unite joint general
secretary, Tony Woodley said: “It’s an absolute disgrace that the
government is not announcing a reversal of the House of Lords
ruling on compensation for those with pleural plaques. It’s an
insult to hard working British people who have been negligently
exposed to asbestos.
“There is plenty of medical evidence that supports the fact that
pleural plaques do harm workers, something the government is well
aware of. So for those workers who are suffering from these
terrible diseases this delay will seem unnecessary and cruel.
But, as profoundly disappointed as we are with this outcome, we
urge the government to look at the latest evidence from scientists
that asbestos-related pain is connected to the disease. This
should convince them that they need to act to compensate these
workers and help alleviate their distress.
"The fact remains, however, that while the government debates
the medical evidence, our members remain uncompensated for their
suffering and the industry which took serious risks with workers'
lives and health remain unpunished for the misery they've caused to
innocent people.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact Mark Di-Toro in the
Unite press office on 07918 640 579
